[+ obj] 1 : to say usually in an unwilling way that you accept or do not deny the truth or existence of (something) ▪ He admitted (to me) that he didn't know the answer. ▪ You know you're wrong. Why don't you admit it? [=why don't you say that you're wrong?] ▪ You know you're wrong! Admit it! ▪ He finally admitted his mistake. [=he stopped denying that he had made a mistake] ▪ I hate to admit it, but he's right. ▪ He admitted his guilt. = He admitted that he was guilty. = He admitted being guilty. ▪ I didn't think I'd like the movie, but I have to admit that it was good. = The movie was good, I have to admit (it). = The movie was good, I must admit. ▪ She has refused to admit defeat. [=to admit that she has been defeated] —see also admit to (below)
2 : to let in (someone or something): such as a : to allow (someone) to enter a place ▪ This ticket admits one person. ▪ He admitted them into his office. b : to allow (someone) to join a club, group, etc. ▪ They refused to admit her to/into the club. c : to accept (someone) as a patient in a hospital ▪ The patient was very sick when she was admitted to the hospital. ▪ He was admitted last night for chest pains. d law : to allow (something) to be considered as evidence in a legal case ▪ The judge decided to admit the evidence.